Woman deputy speaks of Afghanistan peace hopes
A doctor appointed the deputy premier of Afghanistan's post-Taliban government has spoken of her hopes for peace.
Dr Sima Samar says the country needs to be rebuilt from the "ground up".
She says she's hopeful as women are being given a voice after being ignored for 20 years.
The 44-year-old is one of two women serving in the interim administration. She was on a cross-Canada speaking tour when her son phoned to tell her about the appointment.
Dr Samar will also be awarded the John Humphrey Freedom Award for defending human rights at a ceremony in Montreal on December 10.
"We're a little hopeful, because women have been ignored for 20 years - all the focus was on men," said Dr Samar. "At the beginning they said a woman cannot be part of the peace process or democratic process in the country.
"It is difficult to say what we're going to achieve in six months. In 23 years, the people haven't seen any civilised life."
She says Afghanistan has to be rebuilt from the ground up, so it's hard to say how quickly women's issues will be addressed.
The doctor also believes an international presence - but not from neighbouring countries - is needed to ensure Afghan people give up their weapons.
Dr Samar runs hospitals in Afghanistan for women and children. Mary Durran of Rights and Democracy, which selected Samar for the freedom award, said: "The fact that Dr Samar is a woman and from a persecuted minority group and she's doing this kind of work, that makes it absolutely exceptional."
